Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Howdy everyone, this is Elena, and I’m going to share with you a very simple way to make pureed pumpkin. The best cooking pumpkin is a Sugar Pie pumpkin which is different from the type you carve into a Jack-o’-latern at Halloween. Smaller and sweeter, these pumpkins are also easier to manage. Pumpkin is a great source of vitamin A and fiber and it’s great to put into soups, pies and pancakes for a special seasonal treat.

Don’t be intimidated; the process is relatively simple and when you’re done you can brag to all your friends that you pureed it all by your self – I did!

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the pumpkin in half, lengthwise and scrape out all the seeds (and save them for roasted pumpkin seeds). Cover a 13 x 9 baking dish with foil and give a quick spritz of non stick spray and place the pumpkin halves face down on the foil.

Roast, uncovered in the oven for 45-55 minutes. When the pumpkin is pierced easily with a fork, it’s done. Let the pumpkin cool for a bit and then carefully peel off the skin. This is pretty easy to do with a paring knife and your hands. Chop the pumpkin into chunks and put into your food processor. Puree the pumpkin for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes smooth. Transfer it to a clean jar and keep in the refrigerator. It will stay good until it starts to smell funny or gets fuzzy, about 1-2 weeks.

Makes about 4-6 cups of puree, depending on the size of your pumpkin.

Local ingredients used
Sugar Pie Pumpkin from the Dallas Farmer’s Market, this farmer is great and he has a ton of them.